Register box for fluid operated mechanisms



FeB. 28,1933. w. L. MARDEN I 1,899,043

REGISTER BOX FOR FLUID OPERATED MECHANISMS Filed Dec. 30, 1930 INVENTOR M'lh'am L Harden,

Patented Feb. 28, 1933 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE WILLIAM L. MARDEN, OF ELMHURST, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO NEPTUNE METER GOM- PANY, OF NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION OF NEW JERSEY REGISTER BOX FOR FLUID OPERATED MECHANISMS Application filed December 30, 1930. Serial No. 505,512.

The present invention relates to register boxes for metering mechanism and embodies, more specifically, an improved form of register box wherein means is provided for protecting the mechanism contained therein from unscrupulous observers.

The invention further embodies an improved protective mechanism for the register boxes of fluid operated mechanisms of standard form and design, the improved device being adapted for use upon such mechanisms without requiring modification in the meter housing or related structure.

Where fluid operated mechanisms are used in metering the flow of water in a distribution system, it has been found that the registering mechanism is frequently damaged wilfully by crushing the registering crystal and breaking the mechanism and it is an object of the present invention to provide a means for protecting the registering mechanism and preventing damage thereto in the fashion outlined above.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a device of the above character which is constructed in such fashion as to permit the same to be applied directly to fluid 0perated mechanisms of standard form without disturbing the construction thereof.

Further objects, not specifically enumerated above, will be apparent as the invention is described in greater detail in connection with the accompanying drawing, wherein:

Figure 1 is a view in front elevation, partly broken away and in section, showing a register box constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a plan view of the meter of Figure 1, showing the register box construction in further detail.

Figure 3 is a View in ing the register box of Figures 1 and 2.

Referring to the above drawing, a fluid operated mechanism is indicated at 10, the

side elevation, showspecific construction and operation thereof forming no part of the present invention. Mechanisms of this form are provided with an upper housing member 11 which terminates in a mounting ring 12 within which the usual register box is secured. As is well known, the usual register box is provided with a transparent crystal in its upper face to permit the register dials to be readily viewed and read from time to time. The ring 12 is formed with an inner peripheral groove 13 within which this standard register box construction is mounted.

In order that the crystal of register boxes of this character may be adequately protected under all-conditions, it is proposed to provide a register box construction wherein a protective cover is provided, the register dials being visible only when the cover is elevated.

The invention therefore includes a register box 14 which is formed with extensions 15 upon opposite sides thereof, these extensions being provided with axial holes or wells 16 in which a tool may be inserted to manipulate a screw 17 for securing the horizontal flange 18 of box 14 to the ring 12. An upwardly extending apertured bracket 19 is formed on the box and is received in the aperture of a hasp 20 which is formed upon a top 21. The top is hinged at 22 to the register box and is provided with lateral ears 23 which overlie the wells 16, when the top is closed, to prevent access to the screws 17. A suitable lock may be inserted in the bracket 19 after the hasp is in closed position, as indicated in dot and dash lines in Figure 2, and the top thus locked to prevent inspection or tampering with the register mechanism.

It will thus be seen that the register box constru ion is of such character that the register mechanism is not open to view except when the top is unlocked and lifted. The mechanism is therefore fully protected and the protective mechanism is readily manufactured and installed upon meters of standard form and design.

l/Vhile the invention has been described with specific reference to the accompanying drawing, it is not to be limited, save as defined in the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. In combination with a fluid operated mechanism having means to mount a register box thereon, a register box having an aperture through which indicating indicia may 1 be viewed, extensions on the box and having wells, means in the wells to secure the box to the mounting means, and a lid on the box to prevent access to the wells.

5 2. In combination with a fluid operated mechanism having means to mount a register box thereon, a register box having an aperture through which indicating indicia may be viewed, extensions on the box and 13 havingwells, means in the wells to secure the box to the mounting means, a lid on the box to conceal the indicia, and ears on the lid to prevent access to the wells.

This specification signed this 26th day of 15 December A. D. 1930.

- WHJIJIAM L. MARDEN. 

